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Back when I was 10, I read about a story in my hometown newspaper about the Global Air Guitar Contest, which take place every year in my birthplace of Oulu, Finland. My parents had participated at the pioneering contest since 1996 – mom distributed flyers, dad sorted the music. Ever since, national championships have been organized all across the world, with the champions converging in Oulu each August.

Back then, I requested permission if I could compete. They weren't sure at first; the event was in a bar, and there would be many grown-ups. They believed it might be an overwhelming atmosphere, but I was determined.

In my youth, I was always “playing” air guitar, miming along to the biggest rock tunes with my invisible instrument. My family were enthusiasts – my dad loved The Boss and U2. the band AC/DC was the first band I stumbled upon myself. the guitarist, the frontman guitarist, was my hero.

When I stepped on stage, I performed my act to AC/DC’s Whole Lotta Rosie. The crowd started chanting “Angus”, just like the concert version, and it hit me: this is what it feels like to be a music icon. I made it to the finals, performing to a large audience in Oulu’s market square, and I was hooked. I was dubbed “Little Angus” that day.

Then I took a break. I was a adjudicator one year, and opened for the show another time, but I didn’t compete. I went back at 18, tried a few different stage names, but everyone still referred to me as “Little Angus” so I decided to own it and choose “The Angus” as my stage name. I’ve qualified for the last round each competition since then, and in 2023 I placed second, so I was set to win this year.

The air guitar community is like a family. Our motto is ‘Create music, not conflict’. It sounds silly, but it’s a genuine belief.

The competition itself is competitive but uplifting. Participants have one minute to deliver maximum effort – explosive energy, perfect mime, stage magnetism – on an nonexistent axe. Judges rate you on a grading system from a specific numeric range. If scores are equal, there’s an “tiebreaker” between the remaining participants: a song plays and you improvise.

Getting ready is key. I picked an the band Avenged Sevenfold song for my routine. I had it on repeat for a long time. I stretched constantly, trying to get my legs flexible enough to bound, my digits quick enough to mimic solos and my spine set for those gestures and hops. By the time the event came, I could feel the song in my soul.

After everyone had performed, the results were tallied, and I had drawn with the titleholder from Japan, Yuta “Sudo-chan” Sudo – it was moment for an air-off. We faced off to Sweet Child o’ Mine by the rock group. Once the track began, I felt comforted because it was a tune I recognized, and more than anything I was so thrilled to play again. As they declared I’d won, the venue went wild.

The moment is hazy. I think I lost consciousness from the excitement. Then all present started performing Neil Young’s Rockin’ in the Free World and raised me up on to their shoulders. Justin Howard – also known as his stage name – a past winner and one of my dear companions, was hugging me. I shed tears. I was the inaugural from Finland air guitar international titleholder in a quarter-century. The prior titleholder, the former champion, was in attendance as well. He offered me the biggest hug and said it was “long overdue”.

Our global network is like a close-knit group. Our guiding saying is “Create music, not conflict”. It sounds silly, but it’s a real philosophy. People come from many countries, and each person is positive and uplifting. Prior to performing, every competitor comes and hugs you. Then for one minute you’re able to be uninhibited, silly, the biggest rock star in the world.

Additionally, I am a beat keeper and guitarist in a musical act with my sibling called the band name, inspired by the football manager, as we’re influenced by UK rock and post-punk. I’ve been bartending for a couple of years, and I produce independent videos and song visuals. The victory hasn’t changed my day-to-day life significantly but I’ve been doing a lot of press, and I wish it brings more artistic projects. Oulu will be a designated cultural center next year, so there are great prospects.

Currently, I’m just thankful: for the community, for the opportunity to play, and for that little kid who read an article and thought, “I'd love to try that.”